By Juergen T Steinmetz,eturbonews
The Ageless Tourism collection is a new group of hotels and destinations that better attract, serve, and retain the business of 60+ travelers.
Ageless Tourism reminds the travel and tourism industry to recognize this demographic’s immense economic potential and unique needs. The Ageless Tourism Recognition Program has emerged as a crucial initiative for the tourism sector. It aims to elevate travel experiences for mature travelers to the highest standards of excellence.
In partnership with the World Tourism Network, Ageless Tourism encourages providers to join the Ageless Tourism Collection of destinations, hotels, and tourism providers to become a leader in this market.
The Mission of Ageless Tourism guides tourism-related businesses in accurately assessing the needs and psychographics of the mature leisure and business traveler and providing the highest level of service in an atmosphere that nurtures and facilitates lifelong travel.
A related mission is to promote tourism-related companies that have demonstrated excellence in reaching, serving, and elevating the experience of mature travelers by obtaining Recognition.
To fulfill that mission, Ageless Tourism aims to help the industry understand typical aging and distinguish the needs of the mature. Despite excellent health and economic security, age does bring new challenges.
Specific barriers experienced by the Ageless Traveler include the loss of travel companions, mobility or minor health issues, food restrictions, slower-paced travel, sensory deprivations, and more. However, these factors are not automatically linked to illness or decline. They may have limitations or restrictions, but their needs and psychography fall into what gerontologists now see as a new life stage.
Like Green, Sustainable, or Age-Friendly Workplace and Age-Friendly City designations, The Ageless Tourism Recognition intensifies awareness of the issues faced by this cohort, including ageism, loneliness, and self-imposed helplessness, by leading our industry to help travelers combat and erase these limitations through tourism.
Ageless Tourists Speak Up!
- I can’t read the writing on the shampoo and conditioner bottles. It’s dangerous to leave the shower to get glasses.
- I am a champion runner, but I am treated like I am about to keel over because my hair is grey.
- I am tired of asking for a light to read a menu. It makes me feel small.
- My husband and I have different walking paces, but itineraries rarely accommodate both of us.
- Even on cruises, I must ask for a low-salt dish, yet vegan dishes are always on the menu.
- I travel four times a year solo, but even though I pay a supplement, I am always treated to a tiny, dark room.
- I wish that hotels made it easier for me to use technology. I’m tired of asking for help with T.V.s, thermostats, and finding plugs.